In an innovative approach to land use, Kenya has launched its first large-scale agrivoltaics pilot project, strategically combining solar energy generation with agricultural cultivation on the same plot of land. The pilot, located in the semi-arid Kitui County, features solar panels mounted high enough to allow crops to grow beneath them while creating a microclimate that benefits plant growth. This dual-use system is designed to address the competing demands for land between the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector and the critical need for food security, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions where both resources are scarce.
The initial results from the pilot are demonstrating multiple synergistic benefits. The partial shade provided by the solar panels reduces soil moisture evaporation, decreasing irrigation needs by up to 30%—a crucial advantage in drought-prone areas. The moderated temperatures beneath the panels also reduce heat stress on plants, leading to improved yields for shade-tolerant crops like spinach, kale, and beans. Simultaneously, the transpiration from the crops creates a cooling effect that increases the efficiency of the solar panels overhead, as photovoltaic cells perform better at lower temperatures. This creates a virtuous cycle where both food and energy production are enhanced through their co-location, maximizing the productivity of every hectare of land.
The long-term implications of successful agrivoltaics could revolutionize rural development and climate resilience in Kenya. The model provides farmers with a diversified income stream—earning from both crop sales and electricity generation—while making their agricultural operations more resilient to climate extremes. For the national grid, distributed agrivoltaic systems can generate clean power close to where it’s needed, reducing transmission losses. If scaled across Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands, this approach could significantly contribute to both national renewable energy targets and food security goals without requiring additional land conversion. The Kitui pilot is being closely watched as a potential blueprint for sustainable development that harmonizes energy, agriculture, and environmental stewardship.